FORT WORTH, Texas – Search and rescue teams worked diligently on Tuesday to sift through the aftermath of a downtown hotel explosion that occurred the previous day. The Fort Worth Fire Department reported no new victims, but 21 people were injured, with one in critical condition and four seriously injured. The cause of the explosion is believed to be a gas leak, and Atmos crews were still at the scene.
Trained canines were brought in to assist with the search efforts, and several streets in downtown Fort Worth remained closed as police patrolled the area. Wreckage from the explosion, including wood, glass, and drywall, was scattered across multiple blocks, with windows of nearby businesses blown out and window frames dangling from outside walls.
Road closures included Throckmorton Street, Houston Street, and West 8th Street, which were closed off to the public. The Sandman Signature Hotel, located in the historic W.T. Waggoner Building, was opened in March. An Asian fusion restaurant, Musume, is also housed within the building.
Updates on the condition of the injured individuals were not immediately available. Authorities expected to release additional information at a later time.